My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Raelynn closed the final page of the book with a satisfied sigh. It had taken her just two days to finish, and she couldn't help but admire how well it had held her attention. Reading had been a good distraction, a way to fill the time and keep her mind from wandering too much. She glanced at the clock on her bedside table. It was late morning on a weekend, and she decided it was time to return the book to the library.

Sliding off the bed, she placed the book carefully in her bag before heading downstairs. It was now a habit to let Elion know where she was going before leaving the house. At first, it had felt unnecessary, even bothersome, but over time, it had become a habit she didn't think about.

Walking through the halls, she searched for him. Silence filled the mansion, broken only by the gentle whisper of the wind against the curtains. Finally, she found him in his office.

She knocked on the doorframe lightly before hearing his deep voice call out, "Come in."

Pushing the door open, Raelynn stepped inside. Elion was seated behind his desk, his attention momentarily fixed on a document in front of him. He wore a black shirt that highlighted his sharp features and strong build. As he looked up, his brow arched slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What is it?"

"I'm heading to the library to return this book," Raelynn said, holding up the novel from her bag.

Elion's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and then, to her surprise, he pushed back his chair and stood. "I'll come too."

Raelynn blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, really?"

With a nod, he adjusted his sleeve without much thought. "Yes. I… want…" His voice trailed off, and his eyes darted around the room as if searching for an excuse. After a brief pause, he finished, "I want to see their collection for reference."

Raelynn tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into an amused smile. "Okay," she said simply.

Elion barely nodded, and they walked out of the office together.

Nothing happened on the way to the library—Elion drove while Raelynn watched the world go by outside. She watched the busy sidewalks, the city buzzing with life as people hurried past.

When they arrived, Elion parked the car and stepped out, waiting for Raelynn to join him. As they stood side by side, she glanced at him curiously. "You know," she began, "it's pretty unusual for you."

He turned his head, his brows furrowing slightly. "What is?" Then, as if catching on to her meaning, he quickly added, "I said I came here because—"

She held up her hand, smiling as she interrupted him. "No, I meant it's unusual that you used the front entrance."

Elion's expression softened into something that might have been amusement, though it was fleeting. "It's different," he replied. "What would the media say if they saw me entering a library with a woman? Far too many headlines for my liking."

Raelynn chuckled, shaking her head. "You always think about the headlines."

"Can't escape them," he said with a wry smile.

With that, they entered the library together. The room was cool, carrying the faint scent of old books. Shelves stretched on forever, with quiet whispers filling the air.

Raelynn approached the front desk, where a middle-aged woman greeted her with a warm smile. "I'd like to return this," Raelynn said, pulling the book from her bag and placing it on the counter.

The woman took it and began scanning the barcode. As she worked, she glanced up and Raelynn asked, "Where's Axel today?" Raelynn just realized she hadn't told Axel she'd be coming today.

"Wait, are you his girlfriend?" she shot back with a playful grin instead of answering.

Before Raelynn could answer, Elion, who had been standing silently beside her, responded first. "No," he said, giving her a sharp look like her question was absurd.

Both Raelynn and the woman turned to look at him, surprised. Elion's face gave nothing away, his eyes locked on the librarian. Raelynn shook her head quickly, the tension making her uneasy. "Oh, no. We're just friends," she clarified hastily, offering a small, nervous laugh.

The woman nodded, seemingly satisfied. "He's probably in the back," she said, gesturing over her shoulder. "There was a new delivery of donated books, and he's helping sort them."

Just as she finished speaking, her eyes lit up. "Oh, there he is," she said, pointing toward the aisle behind them.

Raelynn turned and saw Axel walking toward them, a friendly smile already on his face. Dressed in a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, he moved with confidence. "Raelynn! What a surprise!" he greeted warmly. "Good to see you again."

"Hi, Axel," Raelynn replied, smiling back.

Before she could say anything else, Elion cleared his throat loudly. His gaze landed on him, and for a split second, a flicker of recognition flickered across his face. "Ah, it seems like Raelynn brought a friend today."

"Oh, right," Raelynn began, gesturing toward Elion, but before she could introduce them, Axel beat her to it.

"Elion Vaelorian," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "One of the most powerful businessmen this country is lucky to have."

Elion gave a slight nod, his gaze sharp as he replied, "And you—the man who saved Raelynn the other night. Axel, wasn't it?"

Axel's smile didn't falter, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. "I'm glad someone like you remembers me," he said with a grin, reaching out for a handshake.

For a moment, Elion simply stared at the offered handshake. Then, slowly, he reached out and took it. Their hands met only for a brief moment.

Raelynn, standing between the two men, glanced from one to the other. Something in the air felt different, though she wasn't sure what had caused it. Both men seemed perfectly civil on the surface, yet there was something that left her feeling uneasy.